The U.S. Mission in Nigeria participated in the graduation ceremony for the Next Gen Leaders for Aquaculture Innovation Program, an initiative led by the American Soybean Association’s World Initiative for Soy in Human Health (ASA WISHH) and SejFarms Consult Limited. The program provided 10 young Nigerian aquaculture leaders with five months of training focused on modern fish farming practices, including the use of soybeans in fish feed.
U.S. Mission Agricultural Counselor Chris Bielecki highlighted agriculture as a central part of commercial and investment relations between the United States and Nigeria during his remarks at the event. “By fostering innovation and promoting best practices, the U.S. soy industry is helping to build a resilient agricultural sector in Nigeria, ensuring long-term food security and economic stability,” Bielecki said.
At the ceremony, ASA WISHH and SejFarms renewed their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding to continue their collaboration for another three years with an aim to further develop Nigeria’s fish production sector. Sejiro Michael Oke-Tojinu, Managing Director/CEO of SejFarms, commented on the agreement: “This MOU with the World Initiative for Soy in Human Health demonstrates that we are strengthening our commitment to encourage the growth of Nigerian aquaculture and create new opportunities for young people to be trained in aquaculture, including high-quality feeds.”
Jamie Beyer, ASA Director and Minnesota soybean farmer, acknowledged support from the U.S. Foreign Agricultural Service in expanding agricultural trade between both countries. Nancy Kavazanjian, a Wisconsin soybean farmer who was part of an ASA WISHH trade delegation to Nigeria, noted that this partnership highlights how U.S. soy can contribute to developing Nigeria’s aquaculture industry.
According to data from 2024, bilateral agricultural trade between Nigeria and the United States reached $429 million; projections indicate this figure could more than double by 2025 as both nations continue efforts to strengthen their commercial ties.
The U.S. Mission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cooperation between agribusinesses from both countries.